Andrew Duckles is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on August 22, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Norman Duckles, was a cellist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and his mother, Mary Duckles, was a pianist and music teacher. Andrew showed an early interest in music and began playing the viola at the age of six. He studied with renowned violists such as Karen Tuttle, William Primrose, and Michael Tree. He attended the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles and later went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In 1991, Andrew joined the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra as principal violist, a position he held for 15 years. During his tenure with the orchestra, he performed in numerous concerts and recordings, including the Grammy-nominated album "The Mozart Sessions." Andrew has also performed with other renowned orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has collaborated with many famous conductors, including Esa-Pekka Salonen, Leonard Slatkin, and Michael Tilson Thomas. In addition to his orchestral work, Andrew is also an accomplished chamber musician. He has performed with many renowned ensembles, including the Pacifica Quartet, the St. Lawrence String Quartet, and the Emerson String Quartet. He has also been a member of the Los Angeles Piano Quartet since 2004. Andrew has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1995, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians. He has also been a recipient of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Margaret Campbell Memorial Award and the Coleman Chamber Music Award. Andrew is also a dedicated music educator. He has taught at the Colburn School of Performing Arts, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of the Arts. He has also been a faculty member at the Aspen Music Festival and School since 1999. In addition to his performing and teaching career, Andrew is also an advocate for new music. He has premiered many works by contemporary composers, including John Adams, Thomas Adès, and Steven Stucky. Andrew's discography includes numerous recordings with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, as well as recordings with the Pacifica Quartet and the Los Angeles Piano Quartet. He has also recorded solo works by Bach, Hindemith, and Walton. In conclusion, Andrew Duckles is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. His dedication to his craft, his commitment to music education, and his advocacy for new music have made him a respected figure in the classical music community.

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